Plan as a family
Get together and write a list of what everyone wants to do. With older children, discuss family time and time with friends so you get a happy balance. Set a realistic budget for presents, food, and other things and try to stick to this as best you can. If a child wants something that is beyond the budget, speak to them and explain as best you can why they cannot have it.
Make a list of who needs to see who – this is particularly important if you are part of a blended family where different people have different connections in the wider family.
Don’t try and do everything yourself - make a list of jobs that need to be done and allocate them between family or other guests that are invited. Don’t try and keep everyone happy all the time. Schedule in some time to recharge your own batteries - if you’re well rested you’ll be able to enjoy it more.
If things get heated between family members and everything gets too much, remove yourself from the situation and perhaps call a friend or relative. If this is your first Christmas as a stepfamily your child may feel confused and maybe even angry – try to allocate some time that you can spend alone together to reassure them.
Plan a family treat to avoid that deflated feeling after the holiday season. That way, you’ll have something to look forward to.
If you are separated parent
If you are separated and unable to spend Christmas with your children, then perhaps arrange to have your own special Christmas Day when they return. It may be a difficult day without your children, so talk to some other family members or friends in advance and see if you can arrange to spend Christmas with other people you care about.
Many parents are unable to be with their children on Christmas day, for a variety of reasons. Separated families may feel more isolated and alone than in the rest of the year because of the nature of Christmas and the emphasis on families. Some non-resident parents who get in touch with Family Lives are sad that they can’t watch their children open their presents or share that special day with them. If this is the case for you, see if you can make arrangements with friends who are in a similar position or perhaps use the day to volunteer at local projects. Hopefully, when you do see your children, you could arrange to have your own special “Christmas Day”.